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Manchester United transfer rumours: is this former Real Madrid man the future of their defence?

Manchester United could be on the brink of launching a bid for former Real Madrid defender Ezequiel Garay, if reports this week are to be believed. The Benfica centre-back is also a target for Juventus and Roma, but the Portuguese press claim United are closer to his club's evaluation. talkSPORT's Transfer Spotlight has the details...

What's the latest?
Garay has been a regular for Benfica since joining them from Real Madrid in 2011 and, after earning a starting place in Argentina's line-up, his stock is rising fast. Reports claim that Manchester United have sent scouts to watch him twice this season and will offer around £15m for his services. However, the Portuguese press say that Benfica will only entertain an offer that meets his £16.7m buy-out clause, as Real Madrid will pocket 50 per cent of the fee due to a stipulation in the deal agreed when he left the Spanish club. Juventus and Roma, who are also said to be interested, are unlikely to match that evaluation.

Did you know?

1) Born in Lionel Messi's home town of Rosario, Argentina, Garay also took his first major steps at the same side as the Barcelona man, learning his trade in the Newell's Old Boys youth academy, before making his professional debut in 2004.

2) Newell's went on to win the Apertura championship ('Opening championship' - the Argentinian season is divided into two) in 2004, meaning Garay lifted major silverware in only his first year as a professional. The following season he was transferred to Racing Santander, who he helped to avoid relegation at the end of the 2005/06 campaign. At Racing, he earned a reputation for his skill in taking penalties and free-kicks, going on to score 10 goals in 31 games during the 2006/07 season. That total made him one of the highest scoring defenders in Europe at the time.

3) On May 2008, Real Madrid reached an agreement with Racing for Granero's transfer, paying €10m. Madrid loaned him back to his former club for the following season, with the defender eventually making his debut with Los Blancos in a 2009 pre-season friendly against Shamrock Rovers. In December 2009 he scored the winning goal for Real Madrid in a 3-2 victory over Valencia at the Mestalla. Under Manuel Pellegrini, Garay chalked up 23 appearances for Madrid in 2009/10, but the arrival of Jose Mourinho chopped his game time down to only eight appearances in 2010/11, leading to his transfer to Benfica.

4) Garay made his Benfica debut in a 2-0 Champions League victory over Trabzonspor on 27 July 2011, and has become a key player for the side. His brilliant partnership with Luisao has earned the pair the nickname of Benfica's 'defensive wall'.

5) Garay won Olympic gold with Argentina in 2008 as part of the team featuring Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Javier Mascherano. He made his senior Argentina debut in August 2007 against Norway, but only made sporadic appearances for the national team until the arrival of coach Alejandro Sabella. Under Sabella, Garay has helped to solve Argentina's long term defensive crisis, playing nine games for his country in 2012 with an outstanding record of eight wins and one draw.

They say
“I don't know if Madrid regret losing him, but he's doing very well in Portugal. Time will tell if Madrid made a mistake or not.” Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella on Garay.

He says
“We're doing well, working with confidence, and know what we have to do. It's crucial that we continue in this spirit. I'm not thinking about leaving Benfica.” Garay on his future

Video evidenceGaray has a reputation for being a goalscoring defender. Check out this tidy finish against Celtic...

United fans, is Garay the defender you need? Leave your thoughts below...